14 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine

October 14, 2016

Your washing machine is an amazing tool. Sure, it washes clothes. But that’s not all. Here are 14 things that you can toss in the washer and have come out sparking clean. Remember to check washing instructions for any items that have them.

Cleaning and Organization

14 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine

October 14, 2016

Your washing machine is an amazing tool. Sure, it washes clothes. But that’s not all. Here are 14 things that you can toss in the washer and have come out sparking clean. Remember to check washing instructions for any items that have them.

1. Pet Beds

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1. Pet Beds

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You can wash many kinds of pet beds in your washing machine. It’ll help reduce hair, pet odours and your cat or dog will love sleeping on a clean bed. Make sure you vacuum loose hair off the bed first. If the bed is too big, you can hand wash it in the tub. When buying a pet bed, get one with a removable cover for easy cleaning.

1. Pet Beds

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You can wash many kinds of pet beds in your washing machine. It’ll help reduce hair, pet odours and your cat or dog will love sleeping on a clean bed. Make sure you vacuum loose hair off the bed first. If the bed is too big, you can hand wash it in the tub. When buying a pet bed, get one with a removable cover for easy cleaning.

2. Running Shoes/Sneakers

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2. Running Shoes/Sneakers

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Just toss those smelly sneakers in the washing machine with some towels and in a few short minutes, they’ll be nice and fresh again. Also, they’ll be wet. But don’t use the dryer — it can ruin them. Instead, let them air dry. You can use towels or rolled up newspaper to help pull the moisture out.

2. Running Shoes/Sneakers

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Just toss those smelly sneakers in the washing machine with some towels and in a few short minutes, they’ll be nice and fresh again. Also, they’ll be wet. But don’t use the dryer — it can ruin them. Instead, let them air dry. You can use towels or rolled up newspaper to help pull the moisture out.

3. Canvas Backpacks

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3. Canvas Backpacks

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According to <a href="http://www.cnet.com/pictures/things-you-can-clean-in-the-washer-other-than-clothes/10/" target="_blank">CNET</a>, your kid’s canvas backpacks can be washed without fear. Turn them inside out and wash them with warm water and a couple of towels.

3. Canvas Backpacks

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According to <a href="http://www.cnet.com/pictures/things-you-can-clean-in-the-washer-other-than-clothes/10/" target="_blank">CNET</a>, your kid’s canvas backpacks can be washed without fear. Turn them inside out and wash them with warm water and a couple of towels.

4. Oven Mitts and Pot Holders

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4. Oven Mitts and Pot Holders

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Dirty oven mitts, pot holders and cloth trivets? Into the washer they go. If you’ve got the silicone versions, they can go in the machine too.

6. Grocery Bags

Those reusable grocery bags are good for the environment, but they can get pretty disgusting. Luckily cloth bags are washable. Just chuck ‘em in with the rest of the wash.

7. Sports Equipment

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7. Sports Equipment

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Believe it or not, a lot of sports equipment can go in the wash. When in doubt, read the label. But elbow pads, knee pads and the like can easily withstand your washing machine. Use warm water, the gentle cycle and air dry.

7. Sports Equipment

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Believe it or not, a lot of sports equipment can go in the wash. When in doubt, read the label. But elbow pads, knee pads and the like can easily withstand your washing machine. Use warm water, the gentle cycle and air dry.

8. Stuffed Animals

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8. Stuffed Animals

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You don’t want to know what your kid’s stuffed animals have been subjected to. Every couple of weeks toss them into a mesh bag and wash away the grime. Air dry.

8. Stuffed Animals

You don’t want to know what your kid’s stuffed animals have been subjected to. Every couple of weeks toss them into a mesh bag and wash away the grime. Air dry.

9. Yoga Mats

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9. Yoga Mats

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If your mat is machine washable (most are) and it’s beginning to give off its own vibe, toss it in the washing machine. Hang it up to dry, but be aware this can take a day or two, so make sure you have a spare.

9. Yoga Mats

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If your mat is machine washable (most are) and it’s beginning to give off its own vibe, toss it in the washing machine. Hang it up to dry, but be aware this can take a day or two, so make sure you have a spare.

10. Mop Heads

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10. Mop Heads

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According to CNET, you should clean and sanitize mop heads after every use. You can do it by hand, or just use your washing machine. Put the mop head in a mesh bag and use the hottest water available. The result: a clean and sanitized mop head ready to take on any mess.

10. Mop Heads

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According to CNET, you should clean and sanitize mop heads after every use. You can do it by hand, or just use your washing machine. Put the mop head in a mesh bag and use the hottest water available. The result: a clean and sanitized mop head ready to take on any mess.

11. Shower Curtains and Liners

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11. Shower Curtains and Liners

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A simple way to keep shower curtains and liners clean and free of mildew is to wash them on a regular basis. Simply wash them in warm water on the delicate setting with a couple of towels. Hang to dry.

11. Shower Curtains and Liners

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A simple way to keep shower curtains and liners clean and free of mildew is to wash them on a regular basis. Simply wash them in warm water on the delicate setting with a couple of towels. Hang to dry.

12. Small Toys

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12. Small Toys

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Got a bunch of plastic toys (like Legos) that are getting a little grim? No worries! Fire them in a mesh bag and wash them. They’ll come out so shiny that your kids will think they’re brand new!

12. Small Toys

Got a bunch of plastic toys (like Legos) that are getting a little grim? No worries! Fire them in a mesh bag and wash them. They’ll come out so shiny that your kids will think they’re brand new!

13. Car Mats

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13. Car Mats

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Car mats can get pretty gross after a Canadian winter. But you can easily banish those salt and mud stains. First give the mats a good shake to release any sand or large chunks of dirt. Then wash them on the delicate cycle with warm water. You can throw in a couple of old towels to keep the noise down. Air dry and put back in the car.

13. Car Mats

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Car mats can get pretty gross after a Canadian winter. But you can easily banish those salt and mud stains. First give the mats a good shake to release any sand or large chunks of dirt. Then wash them on the delicate cycle with warm water. You can throw in a couple of old towels to keep the noise down. Air dry and put back in the car.

14. Gym Bag

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14. Gym Bag

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Gym and hockey bags can get pretty stinky, and most of them can be washed in your machine. Make sure the bag and any pockets are closed. Wash on delicate with warm water. Air dry. And repeat in a week.

14. Gym Bag

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Gym and hockey bags can get pretty stinky, and most of them can be washed in your machine. Make sure the bag and any pockets are closed. Wash on delicate with warm water. Air dry. And repeat in a week.